Associated Press
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Authorities say suspects driving a stolen car during a police chase pulled their damaged vehicle into a field and ignited the new Southern California wildfire that prompted evacuations in the city of Jurupa Valley.
Riverside Police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback says Thursday that two suspects who were arrested will be charged with arson, and additional other offenses.
The blaze has destroyed three homes and two outbuildings and spans 300 acres (121 hectares).
Railsback says the chase lasted 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 kilometers) shortly after midnight Thursday before the suspects abandoned the damaged vehicle and tried to run away before being caught.
He says the heat from the vehicle and its tires caused the fire but did not provide more details.
Both suspects had outstanding felony arrest warrants.